Hawaiians continue march in observance of annexation

HONOLULU (AP) -- Native Hawaiians continued their torch march around Oahu Sunday as part of a vigil in observance of the 100th anniversary of the United States' annexation of Hawaii.

Hawaiians are using the anniversary to bring public attention to what they consider to be the injustice of the overthrow of the monarchy and the subsequent annexation of the islands by the United States.

The march began Friday midnight at Mauna`ala, the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu. The marchers reached Kahe Point Beach Park in Leeward Oahu by sunset Saturday. Two of those who began the march were still walking at Kahe Point.

After a trek around Kaena Point, the group passed through Waialua and continued on the North Shore Sunday. The 140-mile march is to end Tuesday evening at Iolani Palace.

Mikala Hill, a member of the sponsoring Hawaiian Patriotic League, said the trek is not just a walk but ``a spiritual cleansing.'' Gay Sousa of Kailua called it ``a peaceful and positive way to express a belief in what should be.''

A day-long program of music, dance and speeches is planned at Iolani Palace on Wednesday, the annexation anniversary.

A group of about 150 Hawaiians and their supporters marched Saturday from the U.S. Capitol to the White House in Washington, D.C.

Organizers said that although participation fell far short of expectations, they achieved their goal of getting out the word about the plight of Native Hawaiians 100 years after annexation and their quest for sovereignty.